ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Pronunciation: ven-TRIK-yoo-loh-pair-ih-toh-NEE-al
A medical device that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from brain ventricles to the abdominal cavity.
Full Definition
A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a surgically implanted medical device used to treat hydrocephalus by redirecting cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricular system to the peritoneal cavity where it can be absorbed. The system consists of a ventricular catheter placed in the brain's lateral ventricle, a valve mechanism to regulate flow, and a distal catheter that terminates in the abdominal cavity. VP shunts are the most common treatment for hydrocephalus in both children and adults. Complications can include infection, obstruction, overdrainage, or mechanical failure, requiring regular monitoring and sometimes revision surgery. The shunt allows patients with hydrocephalus to maintain normal intracranial pressure and neurological function.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as VP shunt in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The neurosurgeon placed a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to manage the patient's communicating hydrocephalus." — Operative report
- "Follow-up imaging showed proper positioning and function of the VP shunt with resolution of ventricular enlargement." — Radiology report